AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Double Basses for Professional 2026
The top pick is Master Bucur Double Bass Bucur 5-S o.p.b. ($24,467). Scala Vilagio Double Bass Gamba 5-Str. IB gives you the most for the money at $7,362. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 16 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Strings5-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This is a seriously special instrument, folks. Ioan Bucur's one-off 5-string offers incredible depth and warmth thanks to that gorgeous one-piece ash back – a real investment for the serious solo bassist or someone wanting a unique voice. It's built to a very high standard, but that limited production run is something to consider.
Pros
- One-piece ash back delivers exceptional warmth and resonance.
- Solid spruce top provides clarity and projection across the spectrum.
- Antique-style Rubner tuners ensure precise and stable tuning.
Cons
- The 5-string configuration limits versatility for certain orchestral playing.
- One-off production means replacement parts and future servicing will be challenging.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$24,467 now$24,467€21,900 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size4/4 size
This Meister Rubner No. 69 is a serious instrument – the viola da gamba shape and 5-string setup give it a unique voice. It’s ideal for advanced players and soloists seeking a rich, nuanced sound with exceptional projection; the build quality is truly top-tier, justifying the investment for the discerning double bassist.
Pros
- Exceptional spruce top yields a warm, responsive, and complex tone.
- Hand-applied spirit varnish enhances the wood’s resonance and beauty.
- Rubner tuners offer precise and stable tuning, critical for 5-string work.
Cons
- The spirit varnish, while beautiful, can be sensitive to humidity changes.
- The 5-string configuration limits versatility for certain orchestral passages.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$16,088 now$16,088€14,400 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size4/4 size
This German-made bass sounds like a viola da gamba with a deep, rich tone thanks to its solid spruce top. The low B string lets you play lower notes than standard models. It is a fully solid instrument built to last, but you won't know how heavy it feels without a weight spec. It suits players who want that classic, resonant sound and need extra low range.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for strong fundamental tone
- Gamba shape offers unique resonance characteristics
- Rubber individual tuners ensure stable tuning
Cons
- No weight measurement provided for handling
- High price point limits buyer options
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,586 now$7,586€6,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
This Georg Walther 5-string is a seriously refined instrument. The viola da gamba design gives it a uniquely warm and complex tone, perfect for orchestral work or players seeking a more antique sound. It's a premium-priced option built for the discerning double bassist who prioritizes tone and craftsmanship.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top delivers exceptional projection and warmth
- Viola da gamba shape offers a unique, resonant tone and aesthetic
- Rubner tuners ensure precise and stable intonation, crucial for 5-string playing
Cons
- 3/4 size might be restrictive for taller players or those with longer arms
- The dark spirit varnish, while traditional, can be challenging to repair
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,586 now$7,586€6,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size4/4 size
The Meister Rubner No. 62 is a truly gorgeous instrument—the viola da gamba styling sets it apart, and the solid spruce top sings with a rich, resonant tone. This is a serious player’s bass, ideal for soloists or anyone wanting a historically-inspired voice. It's a statement piece for those who demand both beauty and exceptional performance.
Pros
- Solid German spruce top delivers exceptional projection and warmth.
- Rubner individual tuners ensure precise and stable intonation.
- Viola da gamba shape offers a unique aesthetic and comfortable playing experience.
Cons
- The spirit varnish, while beautiful, can be sensitive to humidity changes.
- 5-string configuration limits versatility for certain orchestral passages.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,597 now$9,597€8,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This Vilagio is a seriously impressive instrument, channeling the classic Rogeri sound with a modern 5-string twist. Ioan Bucur’s workshop delivers a refined, powerful bass – perfect for advanced players and orchestral musicians who want a rich, complex tone and expanded low-end capabilities.
Pros
- Rogeri model delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Solid spruce top provides excellent projection and clarity.
- Ioan Bucur's craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and stability.
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
- Single machine heads can be less precise than double or geared tuners.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,698 now$7,698€6,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This bass has a bright spruce top and fancy flamed maple. It comes with a low B-string for extra range. Only five tuners are on the neck. It is built by a famous luthier in Romania. Great for players who want more bass notes and a solid sound.
Pros
- Solid spruce top offers bright, articulate attack.
- Beautifully flamed arched maple back and sides.
- Low B-string extends range for modern players.
Cons
- No weight rating provided for player comfort.
- Single tuners on the neck may be less stable.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,798 now$7,798€6,980 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This Vilagio Ceruti 5-string is a gorgeous instrument, truly echoing the classic Italian sound. Ioan Bucur’s workshop has done an incredible job – the tone is rich and focused, with that deep, resonant low B adding serious depth. It’s ideal for serious students and seasoned players looking for a beautifully crafted, historically-inspired double bass.
Pros
- Ceruti-inspired design offers exceptional tonal projection and beauty.
- Solid spruce top provides clarity and responsiveness across the spectrum.
- Ebony fingerboard ensures smooth playability and precise intonation.
Cons
- The larger body size can be cumbersome for smaller players or those with limited space.
- Master workshop construction means a premium price point; a significant investment.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,798 now$7,798€6,980 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This Vilagio Panormo from Scala is a seriously impressive instrument, especially if you appreciate the classic Italian sound. The solid build and Ioan Bucur’s attention to detail really shine, making it ideal for orchestral players or those seeking a warm, focused tone with that low B string adding extra depth. It’s a premium-priced option, but the quality justifies it.
Pros
- Ioan Bucur’s craftsmanship delivers exceptional tonal clarity and projection
- Solid spruce top provides a responsive, lively, and nuanced sound
- Flamed ayhorn sides enhance the bass’s aesthetic appeal and resonance
Cons
- The 106 cm scale may feel short for players accustomed to longer basses
- Solid construction contributes to a potentially heavier instrument for some players
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,474 now$7,474€6,690 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This Vilagio is a seriously special instrument. The viola da gamba shape gives it a warmer, more complex tone than a standard double bass, and Ioan Bucur's build quality is undeniable. It’s ideal for classically-minded players or those seeking a unique, expressive voice – especially those who appreciate a shorter scale for comfort and agility.
Pros
- Ioan Bucur craftsmanship delivers exceptional tonal depth and projection.
- Viola da gamba shape offers a unique, resonant voice, distinct from standard basses.
- Solid spruce top provides excellent clarity and responsiveness across the range.
Cons
- The 105cm scale might feel short for players accustomed to longer scales.
- The single tuners can be less precise than geared tuners for fine-tuning.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,362 now$7,362€6,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 16 5-String double basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Thomann 44/5str 3/4 Europe Double BassThomann64Stable$3,564€3,190$3,564€3,190Check ↗
- 12
Thomann 44AS/5str. 3/4 Europe BassThomann59Stable$3,564€3,190$3,564€3,190Check ↗
- 13
Thomann 11/5str 3/4 Europe Double BassThomann59Stable$2,335€2,090$2,335€2,090Check ↗
- 14
Thomann 22AS/5str. 3/4 Europe BassThomann59Stable$2,447€2,190$2,447€2,190Check ↗
- 15
Thomann 33AS/5str. 3/4 Europe BassThomann59Stable$2,782€2,490$2,782€2,490Check ↗
- 16
Thomann 33/5str 3/4 Europe Double BassThomann59Stable$2,894€2,590$2,894€2,590Check ↗
5-String Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 16 models we track, not a sample.
Median $7,586 — half of all 5-String double basses here cost less.
median of 16 models · 5-string–5-string
most common · 10 models
How to choose the best 5-String double basses
Neck Profile & Ergonomics
Forget about 'comfortable'; it's about what allows you to play your style. A thick C-shape might be great for a classical player, but a thinner D or U profile will be a nightmare for a jazz or funk bassist needing speed and articulation. Neck width and string spacing also dramatically affect your hand position and efficiency.
String Tension & Response
Five strings means significantly more tension. A poorly designed bass will feel sluggish and unresponsive, especially in the lower registers. Look for basses with optimized bracing and a responsive top wood to compensate - a thin spruce top can sound fantastic, but will be brittle if not properly supported.
Tonal Balance & Low-End Definition
The extra string can easily muddy the low-end if the bass isn't built to handle it. We're looking for clear, defined lows with a punch, not just a vague rumble. The upper midrange needs to cut through without sounding harsh or brittle - that fat midrange honk is essential for many styles.
Construction & Materials
Solid wood construction is almost a non-negotiable for a professional instrument. Laminates can sometimes be brighter, but they lack the resonance and complexity of a solid wood bass. Pay attention to the wood choices - maple for clarity, mahogany for warmth, and spruce for responsiveness.
Setup & Playability (Action & Intonation)
A bass can be beautifully made, but if the setup is off, it's unplayable. Lower action is generally preferred, but too low can lead to buzzing. Proper intonation across all five strings is critical; compromises here will make complex passages a frustrating exercise.
Buying guide
So, you're stepping up to a 5-string double bass? It's a serious commitment, not just an extra string. It's not just about playing lower notes; it's about the fundamental shift in ergonomics, string tension, and tonal balance. Let's cut through the hype and find you a 5-string that won't leave you wrestling with muddy low-end and a neck that feels like a telephone pole.
Don't fall for the 'more strings = better bass' trap. The 5th string is a design challenge, and budget instruments often cut corners on bracing and wood selection, resulting in a muddy, unwieldy instrument. Spend your money on a bass with a well-figured neck profile that suits your hand, and prioritize a solid setup from a qualified luthier - it's the single biggest factor in playability.
A good bass is an investment; a bad one is just a headache.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 16 5-String double basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Is a 5-string double bass harder to learn than a 4-string?
Absolutely. The increased string tension and altered ergonomics require a significant adjustment. You'll need to rebuild some muscle memory, and the tonal complexity demands a more nuanced approach to technique.
What's the deal with different pickup voicings for 5-string basses?
5-string pickups are notoriously tricky to design. Many cheaper options sound thin and brittle, especially on the low E. Higher-end pickups focus on preserving that low-end thump while maintaining clarity and articulation - a delicate balance.
Are 5-string basses suitable for all genres?
While versatile, they're not a universal solution. Classical players often stick to 4-string for historical reasons and tonal purity. However, they shine in jazz, funk, blues, and rock, where the extended range is a significant advantage.
What's the best wood combination for a 5-string double bass?
There's no single 'best' - it depends on your desired tone. Maple/Mahogany provides a balanced sound with good clarity and warmth. Maple/Spruce is brighter and more articulate. Ultimately, try before you buy.
How much should I expect to spend on a professional 5-string double bass?
Expect to spend at least $2,500, and realistically, $4,000+ will get you a bass that's truly gig-worthy and studio-ready. Don't skimp - you'll regret it.
